Business, international

Crisis to soften PC demand: sales are poised to decline in much of region

Article Abstract:

The Asian personal computer industry is likely to lose at least $1.5 billion in sales for the fourth quarter in 1997 due to the financial crises in the region. Consumers, businesses and governments are holding back demand for PCs due to rising import prices, inflation, employment and bankruptcies. Uncertainties brought about by the 1998 elections around the region could deter company sales for new purchases. Sales in Japan, the biggest PC market, is expected to drop 26% to $4.6 billion in the final quarter compared to 1996 while overall Asian sales is expected to drop around 13% to $9.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 1997.

Weak results pressure H-P

Article Abstract:

Top officials at Hewlett Packard Co may be compelled to resort to downsizing measures after the California-based electronics company reported declining revenues for the early quarter of 1998. Hewlett's Asian operations, which accounts for an estimated 15% of the company's revenue, dropped massively by 19% due to the Asian regional crisis. Conditions are further aggravated by the declining rate of PCs. Although the company plans to cut down several operations, it was revealed that skill and training requirements would not be sacrificed.

Sharp division adds color to its Zaurus organizer

Article Abstract:

Sharp Corp. is looking to build on the success of its innovative Zaurus PI 7000 palmtop computer by coming out with a color version, the Color Zaurus. The Color Zaurus is similar to its predecessor in features and in its keyboard-free, pen-based configuration. However, the new device is slightly bulkier than the original Zaurus and at present, only Japanese-language models are available.